Arrest in Lake Hāwea murder case

Statement from Otago Lakes Area Police Commander, Inspector Paula Enoka:

A man is appearing in court today (February 12, 2025) charged with the murder of Karen White last year.

Ms White was killed in her Lake Hāwea home on Friday 8 March, 2024.

Following a lengthy investigation, Police have now charged a 61-year-old man with murder, and he is due in Queenstown District Court today.

Police continue to support the family and friends of Ms White, and our condolences go out to them.

Ten months ago, Invercargill woman Karen White was found dead at a Lake Hāwea property on March 8.

However, it wasn’t until November until her death was declared a homicide.

Police at the crime scene in Hāwea

In a statement last year Detective Senior Sergeant Regan Boucher said Police were following positive lines of enquiry.

“We have confirmed the 60-year-old victim died as a result of injuries she sustained in a significant assault, and are speaking to a number of people who are assisting with enquiries.

“Police are actively working to establish the circumstances that led to Mrs White’s death.

“Yesterday (11 December 2024), Police were back at the homicide scene in Lake Hāwea with scientists from the ESR, completing further examinations in relation to areas of interest.

“Police cannot go into any more details about the examination or what was located."